'Radicalisation' fears if schools halt new religion course

A leading imam has said he is "disappointed" at the Catholic Church's rejection of a world religions curriculum for primary schools - a move he feared could encourage radicalism among young Muslims.

Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, chairman of the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council, made his comments after it was reported by the Irish Independent that plans by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to introduce a new curriculum on religion had been blocked by figures in the Church concerned about children receiving mixed messages.

Dr Al-Qadri warned that integration of Ireland's Muslims was vital to avoid their potential radicalisation, and suggested visits to mosques, temples and churches as well as school visits from rabbis, imams and priests during which children could put questions to them.